Patriot Threat. Steve Berry

reserve prices way over the range of anything she could afford.

      ‘What about you?’

      ‘Yes.’

      ‘That’s it…just yes?’

      He lifted a hand and trailed gentle fingers down her cheek. ‘Why is it women are so curious, hmm?’

      ‘It’s our natural vocation.’

      He uttered a husky laugh, and dropped his hand to rest at her waist. ‘We’ll go join the rest of the guests.’

      It was easy to sip superb champagne, be tempted by a bountiful supply of finger food, and chat with guests she hadn’t seen in three years. Not one of whom expressed surprise at seeing her coupled with Raúl.

      Unlikely, she admitted, when he never left her side.

      If there was masked speculation she didn’t pick up on it, and for the first time she began to relax, to smile and let some of the tension ebb.

      There was a sense of excitement when Ana and Franco announced the auction would begin, and a representative of the policia observed the proceedings while an accredited auctioneer took the podium. Security officers delivered each item, guarded it then removed it as successful bidders were noted by designated number and their bid recorded.

      Although Gianna had attended similar events in the past, this one stood out as being spectacular. Every item received a successful bid, rising without exception to well above the reserve price.

      Raúl obtained two items, each for a sum that made her swallow rather hastily. The first being a painting she’d briefly lingered to admire…an exquisite small portrait of a young girl from a previous century, lovingly entranced by the kitten she held in her arms. The second a beautiful sapphire surrounded by diamonds on a delicate gold chain, together with matching ear-studs.

      Both Ana and Franco endorsed the auction’s success, and announced a conservative figure of the funds raised for the nominated charity, whereupon they thanked their guests and invited them to enjoy themselves, while advising coffee would soon be served.

      In hindsight, it might have been wise to leave at that point—although who could have predicted the last person on this earth Gianna wanted to see should put in an appearance?

      Given Raúl’s warning that Sierra was in Mallorca, it was only a matter of when, not if Sierra appeared on the scene, yet nevertheless it came as a shock to see her nemesis in the flesh, here.

      With the security measures in place, where had she been during the auction—and, what was more…who was she with?

      Did any of it matter?

      Next question…had Raúl noticed her?

      And if he had, what action would he take?

      Worse, what were the legal implications if the restraining order he’d implemented was still effective?

      Irrespective of which, Sierra possessed incredible nerve, risking much to appear here tonight in what had to be a calculated move to confront.

      Who was the target? Raúl or her? Both?

      Who knew?

      It was difficult to appear dispassionate as she met Sierra’s deliberate gaze. The young woman looked exquisitely groomed in a designer gown that hugged every curve. Dark blond hair had undergone a change and was now much lighter with subtle streaks, in a style that framed her features to perfection.

      Fascinated, Gianna couldn’t help wondering if Sierra deliberately practised numerous poses in front of a mirror in order to gain maximum effect. The smile, the eyes…blue, when she could have sworn she remembered them as being hazel…contacts, perhaps?…the flutter of her hand, the light tinkling laughter.

      The woman was a work of art…artifice, that was.

      Most red-blooded men would be drawn to her, curious perhaps to discover if she delivered the sensual promise evident in the packaging.

      Gianna had to give it to her…Sierra played her hand well. She was accompanied, she saw now, by a partner who resembled a male model for GQ magazine. Someone Sierra had hired as her date for the night? Without question someone who had scored an invitation.

      Hush your mouth, Gianna silently chastised herself… Let’s not digress into pettiness. The woman could have changed.

      Sure, and little pink piglets might fly!

      It was interesting to view Sierra with a fresh perspective, noting the acquisitive behaviour, the determination…not love, but the desire to possess. At any cost? Uncaring if her actions, her words, might destroy a relationship, a mar riage?

      Had that been Sierra’s original goal? Perhaps even veering towards the psychotic: If I can’t have him, no other woman will.

      Gianna met Raúl’s direct gaze, and offered a wry smile.

      ‘Impossible you haven’t noticed Sierra has crawled out of the woodwork. One assumes there is a purpose to her presence here tonight?’

      ‘Without question.’

      ‘You must be flattered.’

      ‘No.’

      She arched an eyebrow. ‘Really? A beautiful woman prepared to do anything…’ she trailed deliberately.

      ‘No,’ he reiterated quietly.

      ‘Why not?’

      He threaded his fingers through her own and lifted them to his lips. ‘She isn’t you.’

      For a moment she just looked at him, unsure whether he was playing for real…or just playing a part.

      Flippancy was the only way to go. ‘Is this where I look at you with adoration?’

      ‘It wouldn’t hurt.’

      ‘I’m sadly out of practice.’

      ‘I can help with that.’

      He lowered his head and brushed his mouth to her temple, lingered there, then placed an arm along the back of her waist and drew her in to his side.

      ‘You’re verging on overkill,’ she warned sweetly, and saw the edge of his mouth curve a little.

      ‘You think this is a game?’

      ‘It isn’t?’

      His eyes darkened, and his features lost any pretence at humour. ‘No.’

      Raúl caught the momentary confusion evident before she successfully tamped it down, and he silently cursed, aware how carefully he needed to tread if he was to achieve a successful resolution.

      In business he called the shots, issued ruthless terms and was prepared to walk away if those terms were not met.

      But this was personal. Very personal.

      ‘Sierra seems to be heading this way.’ And was doing so gracefully, pausing here and there to speak with an acquaintance. In order to detract from her true purpose? Gianna pondered, only to reluctantly admire the young woman’s perspicacity…for when it came to dedicated purpose, Sierra won hands down.

      Battle, undoubtedly, was about to commence.

      ‘Raúl. Querido.’

      Wow, how did she manage to inject so much seductive innuendo into so few words? Practice, Gianna deduced. Whatever, it was incredibly effective, and she unconsciously held her breath for his response.

      There was none.

      Oh, my. In seeming slow motion she caught the dangerous glitter in Sierra’s eyes, then it was gone, and the perfectly painted mouth widened a little, then formed a moue.

      ‘Not even hola, Raúl?’

      Gianna spared him a surreptitious